A purpose-built activity centre was opened yesterday to provide a focal point for countryside events.

The centre, at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, near Billingham, Teesside, was opened by the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Pete Andrew, and Stella Guy, from Northumbrian Water Environmental Trust (NWET).

It is powered by wind turbine and solar panels, using mains electricity only at times of high demand.

The new centre will provide a base for school parties visiting the woodland park, a focal point for countryside events, and an information point for visitors.

It is also hoped the centre will encourage many more school groups, community organisations and local people to enjoy the 300-acre wood.

Clare Heaps, from the Countryside Agency, said: "We are delighted to have been involved from the beginning in the Cowpen Bewley project.

"The activity centre provides a wonderful facility for local people, which is already proving very popular."

The centre has been funded through a partnership between Stockton Borough Council, NWET, the European Regional Development Fund and the Countryside Agency.

Ms Guy, from NWET, said: "Our grant of £150,000 equals the highest contribution we have made from the fund so far, which is a measure of the importance we place on this project.

"It has improved a former waste area through a productive partnership. The centre's lively programme with schools and the community will help to stimulate an interest among young people especially in preserving our natural heritage."